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Al Worthington

Worthington pitched for 14 years in the majors. He came up with the New York Giants in 1953, going 4-8 in 20 games. He remained with the Giants through their move to San Francisco where he went 11-7 with six saves in 151.1 innings in 1958. Worthington was traded to the Boston Red Sox in 1960 but only made six appearances for Boston before being dealt to the Chicago White Sox. After making a stop in Cincinnati, Worthington was sent to Minnesota in 1964. He had a bit of a career resurgence as a reliever in 1965, winning 10 games and saving 21 more for the Twins. He posted double-digits saves for five years in Minnesota, leading the American League with 18 in 1968. Worthington finished his career with 75 wins and 111 saves.

Worthington has some pretty cool memories. I especially enjoy his three strikeouts against the White Sox to save a game for Jim Kaat. He pitched in the playoffs for the Twins twice, in the 1965 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers and in the 1969 ALCS against the Baltimore Orioles. Minnesota lost both playoff series. After his playing career ended, Worthington became the head baseball coach at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. He is a member of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

He was kind enough to send me these two pictures along with his questionnaire.